Introduction:
“Then He Kissed Me,” performed by The Crystals, is a classic pop song released in July 1963. Written by the legendary songwriting team of Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich, and Jeff Barry, the track became a hallmark of the early 1960s girl-group sound. Produced by Spector, the song is a quintessential example of his famed “Wall of Sound” technique, which used layered instrumentation to create a rich, dramatic audio experience.
The song’s narrative follows a young woman’s journey through romance, culminating in her engagement, as conveyed through the tender and innocent perspective of the era. Its heartfelt lyrics, combined with La La Brooks’ lead vocals and Spector’s lush production, helped the track reach #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also gained popularity internationally, climbing charts in the UK and beyond.
“Then He Kissed Me” has been celebrated for its enduring charm and has been covered by various artists over the decades, including Kiss and St. Vincent. Its timeless appeal has also been cemented through appearances in popular films like Goodfellas and Adventures in Babysitting, which have introduced it to new generations of listeners.
If you’re interested in exploring more about this iconic track, its context in the Brill Building era of songwriting, and its cultural impact, you can find additional details in dedicated music archives or retrospectives.